Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Yes it has been a LONG time without keeping up this blog. I think, as so many of us have found in this information-sharing age, that I may not have as much to share as I thought. That, or doing active recruitment for the HIV Vaccine Trials and keeping up at We Love Soaps has taken away from the mental power required to consistently write interesting and informative entries.

However, I'm going back to the blogging drawing board here, as I have much that I still want to share with the world, or the 13 people who still check this blog regularly (THANK YOU whoever you are).

I am surprised that I am still surprised how so many people are causing themselves suffering through their thoughts. I talk to people in my personal and professional life who are not necessarily extremely depressed or panicking, they are just mildly moderately unhappy enough to stay stagnant. Life really isn't that hard for these folks, so there is little motivation to challenge and question the thoughts and beliefs which cause them discomfort. They are not content, but they are not severely miserable either, and so little action is taken.

Then I'm reminded that people love their misery cages. Just like an imprisoned tiger will stay in its cage if given freedom, so do people who are comfortable feeling unhappy.

So this blog from here on out is dedicated to those that are willing, and I said willing, to reduce their suffering. If you enjoy being fairly sorta-kinda unhappy, you probably won't be visiting here often. But if you want to change, if you want to challenge, if you want to experience the joy and fun this life has to offer you, then stayed tuned. We are just getting started.

Damon L. JacobsLicensed Marriage Family Therapist

I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist in New York and California. My sixteen years of work have allowed me to develop comprehensive and effective tools for reducing stress and depression while increasing peace and happiness. I specialize in treating Addictions, Obsessions/Compulsions, Anxiety and Panic, Caretaking Fatigue, Social Conflict Resolution, Depression, Anger Management, Gender Identity & Transition, Grief and Loss, HIV related issues (including coping with a new diagnosis) and Sexual Identity & Coming Out, all with a sensitivity toward diverse cultural and spiritual backgrounds. My writing brings these elements together in fresh ways in order to challenge and eliminate harmful "shoulds" in my book Absolutely Should-less.

I am now accepting new clients in the Flatiron neighborhood of Manhattan. In addition to my therapy practice, I educate and recruit for HIV Vaccine Clinical Trials through Project Achieve, and also regularly contribute features regarding the social and psychological relevance of soap operas at We Love Soaps TV.

If you are interested in scheduling a counseling appointment, please send me an email at Shouldless@gmail.com, or call me 347-227-7707. I accept ComPsych insurance, and otherwise use a reasonable sliding scale. Late night appointments are available.